In today’s American landscape, the relationship between the public and the media feels anything but cozy. Recent surveys shed light on this sentiment.
According to Kirsten Eddy, a senior researcher at Pew Research Center, about 79% of U.S. adults believe that media outlets possess some degree of freedom in reporting the news. However, only a third feel that this freedom is complete. Moreover, roughly 21% of Americans doubt the freedom of the press altogether.
The research also highlights widespread concerns about influences on news organizations. A significant majority, around 84%, perceive corporate and financial interests as having some sway over the media. Similarly, about 83% believe that political interests exert influence. Half of the respondents suspect a considerable impact from financial interests, while nearly half cite political interests.
Partisan divides color these perceptions. Democrats tend to trust in the media’s freedom to report news more than Republicans do. Conversely, Republicans express greater skepticism, with a notable portion expressing concern about potential restrictions on press freedom.
These insights stem from a survey involving 3,600 U.S. adults conducted in early April.
Turning to the media landscape, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has garnered significant attention in the press. Headlines from various outlets indicate growing interest and scrutiny of his campaign’s impact.
Meanwhile, Fox News maintains its dominance in cable TV viewership. For the 15th consecutive week, it outpaced other networks, drawing substantial audiences for both daytime and primetime programming.
A recent addition to Fox News programming is the “Breakfast With Friends” series, featuring host Lawrence Jones exploring eateries in key electoral states. The series aims to uncover the issues that shape voters’ decisions, adding a flavorful twist to political coverage.
In polling news, a Marist Poll reveals high voter engagement for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The majority of registered voters express a firm intention to vote, highlighting a strong level of civic participation across party lines.